# Reciprocal Play Children are looking for interactivity and communication from dolls. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Feb 23, 2015 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/reciprocal-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Reciprocal Play trend? **Reciprocal Play:** Tired of one-sided play, children are demanding more reciprocal action and exchange from their toys. Taking digital integration of toys to the next level, toy brands are responding to this growing expectation for interactivity within entertainment by developing smarter, Internet-enabled versions of classic products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 28, 2014 to Feb 17, 2015 - Published: Feb 23, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Reciprocal Play trend ### Interactivity demand Children are looking for toys that provide reciprocal action and exchange, and brands are responding with smart, Internet-enabled versions of classic products. ### Emotional attachment Creating an emotional attachment with toys, like TROBO, can make learning more enjoyable and help to make it a lifelong pursuit. ### Real Conversations Smart toys, such as Hello Barbie and My Friend Cayla that can hold real conversations with children, are becoming an important trend in the toy market. ## What the Reciprocal Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Toy companies that create interactive toys that foster learning and emotional attachment, will be more attractive to parents. ### For Technology Industry Companies that provide cutting-edge software, speech recognition, and interconnectivity for toys can benefit from high demand in the toy market. ### For Education Industry Interactive toys that provide educational value can be integrated into educational programs and classrooms to enhance learning experiences for children. ## Trend signals for Reciprocal Play Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Reciprocal Play trend 4 featured examples from Sep 28, 2014 to Feb 17, 2015. - [Internet-Connected Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-friend-cayla): My Friend Cayla is a Toy That Has Smart Conversations with Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies have the opportunity to incorporate interactive technologies and create dynamic, internet-ready toys that engage children in new ways. - [Internet-Connected Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-barbie): Hello Barbie Uses ToyTalk Technology to Have Real Conversations with Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate internet connectivity and conversational AI technology into toy manufacturing processes to expand product offerings and meet evolvin… - [Hug-Sending Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connect-long-distance): Ariel Cotton's Distance Dolls Help People Connect Long Distance (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunities for innovation in the toy industry for developing interactive and sensory toys. - [Plush Storytelling Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trobo): TROBO is a Cute Doll That Will Help Kids Fall in Love with Learning (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can integrate educational components in their products to cater to both entertainment and learning needs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Smile Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smile-cosmetics) (Fashion) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) - [Errand Leisure](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/errand-leisure) (Business) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)